Ileitis is inflammation in the ileum of the colon. Crohn’s disease is the most common cause. Other possible causes include infections, certain medications, and various health conditions.
Ileitis is inflammation of the ileum, the last part of the small intestine. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Although there are often links between ileitis and Crohn’s disease, the two are not always related. Other potential causes include bacterial infections, such as Salmonella, frequent use of certain medications, and other health conditions, including Behçet’s disease.
This article looks at the differences between ileitis and Crohn’s disease. It also outlines the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and outlook of the condition.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, causing inflammation in the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. It
Ileitis is inflammation of the ileum, the last part of the small intestine. Crohn’s disease is most often the cause of ileitis. When Crohn’s is the cause, health professionals consider ileitis to be one of the five types of Crohn’s disease.
Other common causes of ileitis include various infections, the use of certain medications, and some other health conditions.
The symptoms of ileitis can vary. Some people may not have any symptoms, while others may experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Symptoms can include:
- pain in the middle or lower right area of the abdomen
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- abdominal bloating or swelling
- blood in the stool
- changes in stool size and shape, with thinner stools indicating an obstruction
There are several potential causes of ileitis, including:
Infectious causes
Infections from various bacteria and viruses may lead to ileitis. These include:
- Yersinia: This bacteria can lead to ileitis and may cause fever, pain, and diarrhea. A person may contract Yersinia infection from eating undercooked pork or through contact with contaminated water, animals, or people.
- Salmonella: A person may come into contact with Salmonella bacteria through contaminated food or water.
- Gastrointestinal tuberculosis: The bacteria that cause lung tuberculosis can also affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system. GI tuberculosis can cause inflammation and various symptoms in the gut.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV): CMV is a herpes virus that spreads through bodily fluids. It can lead to ileitis, as well as symptoms including swollen glands, fever, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Medication-induced ileitis
The use of certain medications can lead to ileitis. These include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Excessive use of NSAIDs, which include ibuprofen (Brufen, Advil, Nurofen, Motril), aspirin, and naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn), can irritate the gut and lead to ileitis.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy includes medications to help control the immune system’s responses.These medications, which include nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy), may cause ileitis and other digestive issues in some people.
- Oral contraceptives: Combined birth control pills that contain the hormones estrogen and progestin may increase a person’s risk of developing Crohn’s disease and some other conditions that affect the gut. However, more research is necessary to investigate this relationship.
Other inflammatory and systemic conditions
Other conditions that may cause inflammation in the ileum include:
- Behçet’s disease: Intestinal inflammation is a common symptom of the autoinflammatory disorder, Behçet’s disease.
- Arthritis: Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory conditions that affect the digestive tract can occur in people with inflammatory arthritis.
- Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. It may cause thickening, ulcers, and obstruction in the ileum.
- Amyloidosis: In amyloidosis, a protein called amyloid builds up in the body and can cause organ damage. It may affect the ileum, leading to ileitis.
- Sarcoidosis: This chronic inflammatory condition involves the excessive growth of clumps of inflammatory cells. Sarcoidosis may cause inflammation in the ileum.
A doctor may use several tests and examinations to diagnose ileitis. These can include:
- reviewing a person’s symptoms, medication use, and medical history
- examining and palpating, or gently pressing, the abdomen
- ordering a colonoscopy
- ordering imaging scans, such as a CT scan
- ordering blood and stool culture tests
The treatment for ileitis will depend on the underlying causes and severity of the condition.
Common treatments may include:
- antibiotics to fight bacterial infection
- corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- immunosuppressants to inhibit immune system activity
- biologics to disrupt the biological processes that can lead to ileitis
- bowel rest
- surgery to remove part of the bowel
- dietary changes
Alongside prescription medications, a person can help manage ileitis from Crohn’s disease in the following ways:
- eating a nutritious, balanced diet
- tracking their symptoms, diet, medicines, and stress levels
- avoiding or stopping smoking
- avoiding NSAID use
The outlook for ileitis can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some people may not require treatment, while others may require medication, lifestyle modifications, or surgery.
A person with Crohn’s disease may be at
There is no cure for ileitis caused by Crohn’s disease. However, treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
Can ileitis go away on its own?
The underlying causes of ileitis may determine if it can resolve on its own. If a person’s ileitis is due to a manageable infection, such as Yersinia, Salmonella, or CMV, the inflammation may improve as they recover.
Ileitis caused by Crohn’s disease and other chronic conditions may temporarily improve, but it remains incurable.
The following resources may help support people with ileitis and related conditions, such as Crohn’s disease:
- The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation: This foundation provides access to support groups and online communities, information, helpful apps, and other resources.
- The IBD Support Foundation (IBDSF): The IBDSF offers educational resources and support to people with IBD.
- The Center for Chronic Illness: This organization provides access to online support groups, educational events, and other resources for people with chronic illnesses.
If you’re looking to connect with other people with Crohn’s and colitis, resources like Healthline’s Bezzy IBD offer an online safe space for community, peer and expert guidance, and support.
Ileitis is an inflammation of the ileum. Crohn’s disease is a common cause of the condition. Other causes include infection, certain medications, and other inflammatory and systemic health conditions.
Symptoms of ileitis include abdominal pain and diarrhea. The treatment and outlook for ileitis can depend on the underlying causes and severity of the inflammation.
There is no cure for ileitis caused by Crohn’s disease. However, treatment can help a person manage the symptoms.